Description
Book SynopsisIn the twentieth century, the practice of psychology has usually been based on a scientific or objective theory of human behavior. Today, an influential countermovement, often called social constructionism, argues that there is no basis for our beliefs or values beyond the swirl of meanings and practices in a particular community or era.
Re-envisioning Psychology examines the increasing dissatisfaction with both scientific and social constructionist viewpoints and presents a sweeping new vision of theory and practice in psychology.
Re-envisioning Psychology is a breath of fresh air, a clear and resounding voice that provides an intellectual and moral direction that, if heeded and built upon, could lead psychology out of the confusion and political collusion in which it is currently mired. Richardson, Fowers, and Guignon have imaginatively applied interpretive and dialogic concepts to the most troubling aspects of theory and practice. If psychology is going to be saved
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction 1
Part 1 Ethical Underpinnings of Modern Psychotherapy
1 Dilemmas of Modern Culture 25
2 Freedom and Commitment in Modern Psychotherapy 53
3 Individualism, Family Ideology, and Family Therapy 73
4 The Challenge of Psychotherapy Integration 91
5 Existential Psychotherapy: A Reassessment 114
Part 2 Beyond Scientism and Constructionism
6 Cognitive Theory of Aggression: A Case Study 141
7 Individualism, Marital Research, and the Good Marriage 156
8 Clashing Views of Social Inquiry 173
9 What Is Hermeneutics? 199
Part 3 Toward an Interpretive Psychology
10 Rethinking Psychotherapy 239
11 Social Theory as Practice 277
References 307
About the Authors 325
Name Index 327
Subject Index 333
